Social Distancing Diaries: Day 40

Dear Diary

The Earth Day Edition!

Think Globally. Act Locally.

Happy Earth Day! What a gloriously sunny day to celebrate the awe-inspiring planet the Creator has placed us on!

Nothing says “Hope” like a planted seed. Also, plastic knives for row markers.

There was nothing particularly Earth Day-ish about how I started my day—with a trip to BJs with my mom. She has the membership and I had the long list so I volunteered to go with her. It’s the first time I had been in a car with someone other than family. We wore our masks. I bought lots of stuff, some of which were pity purchases for the kids. I’ve never bought Oreos from BJs. Or those little snack pack of tiny cookies. But there were squeals of excitement when I arrived home and unpacked the groceries. You’d have thought it was Christmas. Based on which shelves were empty at BJs, I surmise that most Americans are primarily eating frozen prepared meals. The freezer section was wiped out!

This afternoon I finally planted my garden! Then I weeded my 3 raised beds. I have a small raised bed where I plant basil and parsley. Not sure if I can get plants this spring, I opted to plant seeds this year. Here’s hoping they grow! I make copious amounts of pesto over the summer and freeze it to eat all year round. And the parsley makes a great homemade tabouli salad. I have another raised bed for strawberries. This one is in sad shape and I don’t expect more than a handful of berries this year. I need to overhaul it. And another raised bed for asparagus. These are just beginning to poke through the soil and I love them so much! In the regular, non-raised garden I planted lettuce, golden beets, red beets (I love beets!), garden beans, yellow wax beans, and peanuts. Later I’ll plant a few tomatoes.

Pro Tip: When I buy tabouli salad at BJs (homemade is WAY better!) I cook extra couscous and add it to the salad. It’s better that way.

Earth Day activities continued later this afternoon when Ellen asked me to go for a walk. Eden joined us. Ellen took along a bag and collected trash while we walked along the road. Eden didn’t want to bring a bag and I declined since my lower back is ready to give out on me and I wasn’t able to do the bending required for trash picking. Instead, Eden and I walked ahead of Ellen, helpfully pointing out bits of rubbish for her to pick up. She has quite the eagle eye for trash and found way more than Eden or I spotted.

Did you do anything for Earth Day today? As Ellen says, it’s the one day of the year that Americans care about the earth. Cynical, I know, but what are the practices you choose to do in your daily life because they are kind to our planet?

Earth Day Every Day

Social Distancing Diaries: Day 39

Dear Diary

Taco Tuesday spread in all of its deliciousness

By far the highlight of today was Taco Tuesday, brought to us by Good Burrito Co. This was the first time our family has ordered take-out since Social Distancing began. Not including pizza, it might be the first time our family has ordered take-out (with the exception of a few times for Chinese). Let’s just say that eating out for a family of 6 gets quite ex$pensive. Being newbies to the take-out world I need a little more practice at checking my order to make sure everything is there before I drive home. Just saying…

Eden and her new tapestry

Some folks have suggested that the Grosh family dinners would make for hilarious reality tv. Perhaps. Yesterday the thread went like this: Lily: “Cheese is the ultimate spice. Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus is the spice of life!” Mom: “Cheesus!” Today’s thread I can’t even print because it was so embarrassing to some of us. Rest assured, we won’t forget these gems because Ellen keeps a running quote list on her phone.

Can we please take a moment to appreciate how my shoes matched my leggings? And appreciate that these are the first shoes other than sneakers or duck boots that I have worn since March 14?

Eden was thrilled to bits today when the first of her bedroom makeover pieces arrived. She and Lily went right to work to hang up her world map tapestry. Next up, shelving and rug. This is big-time, people! Single handedly keeping Amazon in business!

Quarantining is exhausting

Social Distancing Diaries: Day 38

Hellooooooo Naptime Inspirations followers! 

My quarantine fashion statement for the day.

I am Ellen Grosh, one of the Grosh twins. Your stream of my mother’s consciousness will be briefly interrupted with an account of the Zoom filled life of a college student.

My day began promptly at 8:27AM with Family Team meeting. I prefer not to be touched, hugged, spoken closely to, or have much interaction at all when I first wake up. I think today’s Family Team meeting was rather successful, as I only said “don’t touch me!” twice forcefully. Win.

I sat here all day. All the day long.

After contemplating eating leftover lasagna for breakfast but settling for a clementine (Anyone else a leftovers-for-breakfast-person?), I wrote my one-page Job Journal for my Wisdom Literature class due at 11:25AM. Job, like the Old Testament book of the Bible. A Job Journal is essentially a Monday/Wednesday/Friday one-page answer to the questions assigned each day in the syllabus that is submitted weekly. You get it.

I find it rather timely to study Job at this time. Consider reading this book of the Bible this week and get back to me. 

11:25 Wisdom Lit Zoom discussion.

12:30 Eat previously mentioned lasagna.

1:00 Skype Wisdom Lit discussion group (today’s reading and discussion was Job 34-37)

2:00 Biblical Hermeneutics Zoom to attend group presentation on Open Theism. They did a great job. I have more questions. 

3:00 Walk with Mom.

4:00 Chat with Boyfriend.

4:45 Watch BONES with twin Hayley (the best TV show of all time).

Add snack times in between each of those… and you have my day!

Dear mother Theresa made a shepherd’s pie for dinner. Grandpa (from six feet away) reminded us that shepherd’s pie has lamb, so our beef substitute would need a new name. So, is it cowboy pie? Cow pie? Beef cake? Some of these caused several forks to be placed back on plates to wait to regain appetite. 

Hayley, Mom, and I went on a drive across some of beautiful Central PA to pick up napkin rings. Don’t ask. Just know that it was truly a gorgeous evening, and I hope you had a few minutes to soak it in as well. 

Amazing North Londonderry Township blue skies… Goals.

I ended my evening surrounded by maps of Israel for my biblical geography project exam. 

It’s a good thing I don’t have classes on Tuesday and can relax from Zoom calls. 

You all are doing great with whatever you need to do. Be respectful and safe. Oh! And don’t forget to read Job. 

Social Distancing Diaries: Day 37

Dear Diary

The Grosh extended family Zoomed together this afternoon. This was our selfie as we started the Zoom.

Some days I got nothin’.  I’m humbled by friends who tell me my blog is the first thing they read in the morning, before any news or email. I’m delighted to bring a little joy or empathy into the world. We can use more of both.

Lily had a knitting lesson with Grandma via Zoom so she could finish off the hat she made.

Today I bring empathy. Today was hard for me. I’m not really sure why. Every few weeks I peel off another layer of the onion and the weight of it all gets me down. I guess that’s what happened today. I retreated to my bedroom to be alone for a few hours. I intended to indulge myself by watching something but I ended up falling asleep. By the time I woke up it was time to fulfill my promise to Hayley to proofread her research paper for her “Family as a Social Institution” class. Four and half hours later, I called it a night. There’s still more work to be done, but I put it into her hands. She wants me to thank Kasey Lee for teaching her how to write. Thanks, Aunt Kasey!! She received a 96 (!) on the last paper she wrote (I proofed) so she’s pretty happy. I’m on my way to my honorary Social Work degree. I’ll add to that to my 2 honorary Masters degrees and one honorary Doctorate. My glory, by the time Lily is done with college I’m going to be so smart!

Social Distancing Diaries: Day 36

Dear Diary

Do not take any chances.

Today was the day we Marie-Kondoed Eden’s bedroom. She’s moving towards a new look in her room (who is not during this quarantine??) and she was ready to say good-bye to the basketful of stuffed animals and her desk (along with Everything in it). I would not still be sane if Ellen hadn’t taken the brunt of the Kondoing. That girl thrives on this sort of thing and although I can organize with the best of them, I fatigue much quicker than Ellen. She can’t leave a project half-done and I’m easily distracted by cheese curls. We learned a lot about Eden in this process. Or rather, our suspicions were confirmed. Eden is not sentimental about Stuff. Gifts are not her love language. If you thought long and hard about what to get Eden for Christmas or her birthday, stop overthinking. It doesn’t matter what you got or how earnestly she begged for it. She probably got rid of it today. There were a few items in the Get-Rid-Of Pile that made my jaw drop. But I choose to let it go. She is a soul untethered to earth by material possessions. I am slightly more sentimental and I had final authority over the Get-Rid-Of Pile. But now I have the task of finding storage places for said items. I’m starting to hyperventilate because at least 2 of the kids desire to repaint their bedrooms. And I have to agree that it’s not a bad idea. But I also think that’s a project for after the school year ends. I still feel like my head is barely above water each week. The thought of painting multiple bedrooms makes my heart race, and not in a good way.

Thank you, Lily!

You know what my favorite supper is? I call it Fend-For-Yourself Night! Eat what you find, when you’re hungry. And for the love of mom’s sanity clean up after yourself!

Lily made a new cookie recipe today. God bless Lily.

Gonna be counted!

My mail-in voting ballot arrived today! I think it’s great that PA is doing this finally. It makes so much sense. I applied for mine way before this quarantine insanity began. I don’t know if they are processing requests in a timely manner anymore.

Social Distancing Diaries: Day 35

Dear Diary

The Homeschool Edition

My Indicator Species

Indulge me for a moment: Essential Question (EQ): What is an Indicator Species and how are they helpful? Indicator Species are species that respond to environmental stimuli in such a way that they can supply evidence of good or bad things that are happening in their environment. When kids do the creek studies in school where they collect critters in the creek and try to identify them, they do this because the absence or presence of certain organisms *indicate* the water quality. Those organisms are Indicator Species. I have an indicator species in my bathroom. It is a house plant. The only time I remember to water the plant is when I clean my bathroom. If I notice that plant begin to wilt, I am reminded that it is time to clean my bathroom. Usually my remedy to this is to water the plant without cleaning my bathroom! After another 2 filthy weeks passes and I notice the plant wilting again I finally get so disgusted with myself that I clean my bathroom. And water the plant again. If you’re wondering, I’m currently in the 1st Phase: the plant is wilting but I haven’t done anything about it yet. This is also how most Americans respond to negative feedback from Indicator Species. So I’m in good company. ‘Merica!

Home Ec class (mask sewing) was interrupted this afternoon because Ag Ed had an urgent need to till the garden at-that-very-moment. Turns out the timing was perfect because the garden got tilled just before the rain began. With the garden now tilled I needed to purchase seeds which prompted a trip to the local hardware store. I picked up a few packs of seeds (red beets, lettuce, yellow beans and…peanuts! Right before I left for the store I returned to Home Ec (dinner prep this time) to assemble a lasagna that garnered rave reviews at supper tonight. Pro Tip:  I never boil my lasagna noodles. I assemble the layers of lasagna using an entire jar (4 cups) of sauce (along with everything else), cover with foil, and bake for about 1.5 hours.

This was not on my list. But it should have been. Also, I’m choosing to emphasize the “Naturally” part of the Naturally and Artificially Flavored. Haters back off.

Until today I had not been to a store for 2.5 weeks. I’ve been blessed by others who have offered to pick up the things we’ve needed which has gotten us through. After the hardware store I ventured to the Country Store where I bought way more than was on my list! But praise God, we now have butter and bread! Does anyone else feel so strange to be in stores during this time? At both stores there was a system for which carts you were supposed to choose from and which ones were returned and awaiting their sanitation. Guess who flubbed the system in BOTH stores? *This girl* Both times I grabbed a cart from the unsanitized location and then saw the signs. Ah well. You can only do your best. There was one older gentleman at the hardware store who was obviously there just to chat with the employees! Maybe he normally does that but maybe he’s an Enneagram 7 and lives alone. I can’t really imagine.

My hands are unbelievably small. The only gardening gloves that fit me are child size. I’m embracing the possibilities.

I had some office hours today. Someone needed help with math. Truth be told I think Someone didn’t need so much help with math, but probably needed Mom’s one-on-one attention more. The same Someone experienced some Home Ec class for herself this evening as she helped me to design and sew a new pennant banner for her bedroom.

Getting back to Essential Questions, I think it would be fun to do a Q&A blogpost! You send me questions and I’ll answer them!  Put them in the comments of Facebook or send me a DM. I’ll give you a few days, so keep those questions coming!

Social Distancing Diaries: Day 34

Dear Diary

<Disclaimer: today’s blog is short, mundane, and not funny.>

Today is Blursday, April 64th.

Office Hours were not so formal today. Basically I didn’t have any. Or, they were replaced by a walk with mom. Let’s go with that. On said walk we visited the goats.

Tom wanted a Zoom avatar, so I made sure to take a close up.

I had a meal plan that sounded much better if the chicken was slowly grilled/smoked. So I enlisted my dad, the Grill Master. While the smoker started to smoke, before it’s too hot, he also smoked some cheese. Guys, if you haven’t had smoked cheese, you haven’t fully lived. It’s SO delicious! Our supper was scrumptious grilled chicken, fragrant rice, falafel, and cucumbers in yogurt. Mmmm.

All their Disney dreams came true!

When your office manager calls and then all modicum of civility breaks down.

The evening capped off with great excitement to discover the Disney singalong on ABC tonight. Lily was fan-girling bigtime when the High School Musical reunion came on. Apparently, once a Wildcat, always a wildcat!

Social Distancing Diaries: Day 33

Dear Diary

I told you to stayed tuned to see what I decide about Office Hours. Today I decided to give it a whirl.

What happened in my very first Office Hours:

This happened during Office Hours.

1.     The first questions were very similar and they were designed to garner affirmation that yes, indeed, your new jeans really do *still* look great on you.

2.     The first legitimate question was not something I could answer. It was a missing Zoom link needed to connect to the Zoom call. My wise counsel of “Send a message to your teacher” was met with the subject falling prostrate on the ground whining, “I don’t want to join the call anyway!” <sidenote: moments later the link mysteriously appeared!>

3.     I listened to a tirade about how Someone will fail her class because she doesn’t understand how to use program on her computer. This is the same Someone who has been advised *multiple* times a day to contact her teacher with her questions.

4.     After an intermission I was asked if I still had Office Hours. Sure, I’ll help you with your non-major college science class. I tried. “No, Mom! I don’t need your help.” Ok, so I left. “Mom! Why aren’t you helping me?!” Um, because you told me not to help you?? Best quote from this joy ride: “So they’re transferring radiant energy through a vacuum?! That’s ridiculous!”  She’s not a science major.

5.     “Mom, you can read my book to me. It’s about STD’s and teen pregnancy.” Office hours have now ended.

Our Social Distancing sacrifice today was watching the livestream of my aunt’s graveside service instead of attending in person. Thankfully we were able to hear everything that was shared. We cried and sang along with the hymns. Then we traveled to the cemetery so that we could see where she is buried. The flowers were still there and we brought a few home and put them in a vase where we will enjoy them and think fondly of Aunt Lois. Some of the girls also took a flower to press and save.

Me in the hammock

After supper Lily wanted each of us to experience the Joy of the Hammock. So we took 5 minute shifts in the hammock. Truth be told, the system broke down in arguments during the second 5 minute shift. But I think Lily is right about the hammock!

Social Distancing Diaries: Day 32

Dear Diary

Eden wants me to have “Office Hours”—dedicated time scheduled in the day when family members can come to me with questions. I was inclined to dismiss this suggestion outright because I’m pretty sure people are still going to ask me questions at other times throughout the day. But maybe it’s actually a good idea. Or at least an idea worth trying. I wonder if lunchtime could be considered “Office Hours” time because it’s a high need time. I also wondered if proof-reading college papers falls into “Office Hours” because that can take a chunk of time. <Sorry, Hayley—she hates the word ‘chunk’.> The more I think about it, the more intrigued I am by the idea of Office Hours. Stay tuned…

Ellen and I went for a walk this morning, and against my better judgement I talked way too much about COVID-19. Eventually Ellen politely stopped me and asked if we could talk about something else. I said we could talk about rainbows and unicorns, so we did. Incidentally, we both agree on what a unicorn should look like.

Lily is on Day 2 of “Hammocking”. She set up Hayley’s hammock under the deck and spends hours out there. It helps that the wi-fi signal remains strong there. She even joined her math class Zoom in the hammock today. A highlight of Lily’s 6th grade career was being selected for the team that does the morning announcements, DIS Live (imagine a local news staff). It’s the thing she misses the most about online schooling. This morning the team put together a social distancing version of DIS Live. She said it felt kind of awkward, but I think she’s glad to be able collaborate with her team again. Thanks to the teachers that made that possible!

Last night Eden attended virtual Youth Group where they discussed different names for God. Today’s assignment was to select one of those names and create a picture incorporating the name. Eden is not known for spending much time on art projects, but with a little design collaboration with mom, she spent about 1.5 hours working on this piece! I went outside to mow the grass for an hour and came back in and she was still working on it. I’m so proud!

Ellen is part of a (I kid you not) Soul Care Companionship group. It’s a student version of Spiritual Direction training. Sounds hooey, but it’s cool. Tonight she shared her spiritual autobiography. Her take away? “It’s interesting to talk about your life not from the perspective of what you did.” Wow. I thought that was really profound, so I included it here. You’re welcome.

Not to leave anyone out, Hayley spent a good *chunk* (!) of the day selecting classes for next semester. Thankfully her sister Ellen specializes in course selection. She thrives on it. So Ellen helped out Hayley. Hayley was selected to be an RA next year! I’m so proud of her because I know she’s going to be great! She learned so much last year on the World Race and now she’ll have an opportunity to share those lessons with others. I can’t wait. I hope she’s as excited as I am!

Social Distancing Diaries: Day 31

This was the most peaceful and uneventful sisterly crafting that ever took place in our home.

“There’s a lot of Really Hard going around.” Wise words spoken by my dear friend, Jen, with whom I FaceTimed today. She’s all the best parts that I’m not, and maybe vice versa.  She’s my don’t-clean-up-the-house-before-you-come-over Friend. She’s my I-will-empty-your-dishwasher-while-we-chat Friend. She’s my can-I-borrow-your-underwear-because-I-didn’t-pack-enough Friend. Oh shoot. Was that TMI??

My in-laws gave me this adorable mushroom garland in my Easter basket! My “Fun Guy” insisted I take a picture of the Fun Guy with the Fungi. <groan>

It was good to compare Quarantine Notes with her. For as much as we “get” each other, we tend to look at the world in different ways. She spurs me on to think more deeply and analyze more carefully. I talk her down from the ledges. Like Jerry Maguire says, “You complete me.” Ha! Even as I write that I know she’s going through the list of reasons why that sentiment is a terrible basis for a relationship! I hope that you all have a friend like that. Reach out to him/her and send your love.

There’s been a lot of sisterly love in the house today and it makes my heart happy. Hayley took a study break after lunch to join Eden and Lily as they painted little wooden things that the girls all got for Easter. Ellen and Lily are hanging out together this evening. Lily is sharing with Ellen her (multiple) career aspirations (yoga studio/counseling office/retail space AND an activist for women’s rights). And they are bonding over the ukulele. I need to savor these moments of harmony. What a gift they are!

Social Distancing Diaries: Day 30

Dear Diary

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Happy Easter!!

Today was an Easter to remember. Today my dear Aunt Lois went Home to be with Jesus after a rich, fun, love-filled life. Pancreatic cancer stole her health. But she lived fully every single day ordained for her on this earth. I saw the text when I woke up this morning and it filled me with Joy. And during our Easter worship service her home-going was at the forefront of my thoughts. It brought fresh insight to the words of familiar songs; “O trampled Death, where is your sting?” The grave is not the end of the story! Jesus made that vividly clear.

Ellen has done some reflecting today as well. So I now refer you to her blogpost: Slow Easter

https://ellenatthecorner.wordpress.com/2020/04/13/a-slow-easter/?fbclid=IwAR2W1mMfu247eZ8El47_UbD4SmP5aHqBK1sM40Pe9aX54RGYhU8C8ygM-cw

Part way through the wait for the Easter dinners I took a picture of the poor souls behind me.

Along with most of Mount Joy, we decided to take advantage of Gus’s restaurant’s free Easter dinner. As I drove towards the end of the line of cars that were waiting for the distribution I considered turning around and going home. But as Eden quipped, “What else do we have to do??” So I pulled the car into line. Hayley and Eden and I entertained ourselves with Buzzfeed quizzes and an hour and a half later we were on our way home with 4 (maximum number allowed) Easter dinners! Thankfully we are family of smallish appetites and 4 dinners sufficiently fed 6 of us. And, according to Buzzfeed, my Quarantine clothing choices and my food preferences place me around 12 years old.

After dinner we spent the afternoon watching Sight and Sound’s Jesus production. An apt way to spend Easter day, I do think.

Social Distancing Diaries: Day 29

Dear Diary

Crafty Little Buggers

Holy Saturday By The Numbers

1 loaf of Monkey Bread to A) Use up dough that was in the freezer and B) Provide a special Easter breakfast. Oops, I was a day early.

2 Lucky Hens who were the first to forage in my new fenced area. 

2 Lucky Hens who figured out already how to escape my new fenced area.

3 hours I spent in Yard Beautification.

Bougie Smoothie

4 girls who thoroughly enjoyed the time they spent getting all gussied up in their new Easter dresses to take pictures this afternoon.

6 feet (and a screen door) between Ellen and Tyler with he came for a brief visit this evening. I felt like the evil Disney witch, keeping the Fair Maiden and Prince Charming apart.

Waiting for Grandma to figure out how to take the picture.

11 (approximately) hours Ellen waited with bated breath to watch “Bandstand” virtually with her friend Dan.

45 minutes (totally guessing here) it took Lily to make Acai Bowls for herself and sisters. No Acai was harmed in the process.  Me: “So, it’s a smoothie in a bowl?”

>60 minutes it took for Hayley to cut Dad’s hair. This was the first time she’s ever cut hair. The mercy of Zoom meetings is that you only get a front view!

Dad, put your chin up a little. No, not that much!

130 pictures taken trying to achieve just the right angle/lighting/expression, etc… And just because outtakes are always more fun than the “real” pictures, I will share the outtakes.

Social Distancing Diaries: Day 28

Dear Diary

Artful photo of our Easter eggs

Quarantine is resulting in new currencies. I’m now trading with my Aunt Marie in popcorn kernels (Uncle Steve had a great need). I would have considered trading for ice cream, but my mom snagged some for us at the grocery store this morning. What’s your Must Have Item?

This morning we colored Easter eggs. Our chickens lay blue or brown eggs. We have no white eggs. We learned that our blue eggs take on color very nicely. And our brown eggs, not so much. My first colored egg closely resembles the outside of a kiwi. Ellen thought that the eggs I dyed look like river stones.

Today I rigged myself a neck hammock. I found it to be quite relaxing.

Having explained our dinner highlight sharing yesterday, I thought I’d share today’s highlights as a method of giving insight into our day. 

Lily: Spending time with Eden

Relaxing in my neck hammock. I’m on the dining room floor because the hammock hangs off a doorknob. This is the only “regular” doorknob we have. My legs are elevated because laying on my back aggravates my lower back. Is that a thing or am I strange that way?

Eden: Brainstorming bedroom makeover ideas. Boho here we come!

Ellen: Cleaning out the pantry with mom. It really fulfilled her need to clean and organize.

Hayley: Her order from Banana Republic finally arrived—she will have a new Easter dress!

Theresa: Online Branding class

Thomas: Opportunity to share insights with a colleague

Then we discussed ways that each of us would appreciate to increase the level of peacefulness in our home. Lily would like people to knock before entering someone’s room. Except when she doesn’t want them to knock. And we learned that Hayley doesn’t like when people knock because then she has to answer them. Ellen would like everyone to understand that “No means no.” And that “No” doesn’t mean “I don’t like you.” Hayley added that Eden should refrain from jumping up and down in her bedroom. Hayley’s bedroom is directly underneath Eden’s bedroom. I asked if everyone could keep their volume levels at “Inside Voices” and then clarified that “Inside Voice” doesn’t simply mean a voice that is inside. How loud is too loud? If I flinch, you’re too loud. I flinch a lot. If you’d like to be loud, please exit the house and be loud outside. Sorry neighbors.

If you’re wondering what the status is of the “Availability” chart (see Day 5), well, it’s being revised! It’s not particularly practical to expect each of us to move our refrigerator magnet throughout the day as our availability changes. So we’ll attempt to include our availability statuses on our daily schedule. Yes, we print a daily schedule. Initially I found this very surprising because what do we have to do?! Turns out, we have a lot to do! Between various class schedules and Zoom calls, our days are rather complicated. Basically what I’m hoping this to illuminate are the times when Dad is “On Call.” Because frankly, I would like to up my “Do Not Disturb” game.

Our evening’s highlight was the Good Friday Tenebrae service. Well done, everyone. Well done!

Enjoying the festivities

Social Distancing Diaries: Day 27

Dear Diary

Perhaps Eden loves foot washing so much because of the hugging…

Sometimes we fight like cats and dogs. Sometimes we wash one another’s feet.

It’s starting to feel like Easter! What I mean is that it feels like we are anticipating a holiday celebration and I think it’s great that in these strange times we can still find joy in traditions. Even if those traditions are a little untraditional!  Our family *really* likes Maundy Thursday as observed at our church. If you’re not familiar with this observance, you can Google it and read more. In Anabaptist traditions we observe a simple meal and footwashing to practice Jesus’ command to love one another as he did. The girls were enthusiastic about practicing footwashing here at home, so we did this morning during our family devotional time. I shared with the family Michael Card’s song, “Basin and Towel” which has such rich lyrics related to Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. And we washed each other’s feet. It was simple and not particularly somber; there were giggles. There was even a minor injury with an ensuing squabble over whose fault that was. But I always get choked up at footwashing. There’s something so profound about performing an outward sign of an inward heart. If this is not part of your faith tradition, consider joining sometime. Observers are always welcome at our church’s service.

Another part of the Maundy Thursday service that the girls insisted we not miss is the meal. The church always serves a beef and rice soup (really thick with rice!), crackers, cheese cubes, carrot and celery sticks, and a cookie. I planned ahead and bought some beef stew cubes last week so all day long the beef simmered in the crock pot before I put the rest of the soup together. The school lunches from yesterday provided an abundance of baby carrots (no celery). I cubed a block of cheddar (BONUS: none of us like Swiss Cheese. At church they serve a variety of cheese cubes and as careful as we are, someone inevitably pops a Swiss cheese cube in her mouth. No chance of that happening at our house!). We didn’t have sugar cookies, but Lily baked us a cake today! Lily has aspirations of competing on The Great British Bakeoff. She made a sponge cake and flavored the cake strawberry and the icing orange. It was delicious! I think she’d at least make it through Round 1!

Footwashing induced injury. Tip: trim your toenails lest another family member accidentally trips over your foot and slices hers on your dagger nail.

Around our dinner table we share highlights every night we eat together. We’ve been doing it for years. We write them down in a journal. It can get out of hand some nights. Some of us are very long-winded and don’t completely understand that a “highlight” is not a minute-by-minute rundown of your day. So I proposed a format change and it’s been going pretty well. We start with the oldest and proceed down the line. You are allowed to share one highlight. Then we back it up, youngest to oldest, and you’re allowed to share a second highlight. Some of us require more rules than others. I’m not saying who’s who.

Best quote of the day:  “You are done eating. Your mastication is not successful.” 

Deliciousness!

Social Distancing Diaries: Day 26

Dear Diary

Today was better than yesterday. I earned my badge in finding X and Y intercepts. I made Herbed Cheese Bread again. And I made masks. That’s my day in a nutshell. Incidentally, Algebra makes so much more sense to me in my 40’s than it did when I was in 8th grade!

 I also tried to put out some emotional fires. Not mine this time.

 The younger girls are excited to have Easter Break off of school. Seems really funny to me, but hey, it means I don’t need to help with homework, so I guess I’m as excited as they are!

 Eden wants me to mention that we’re Dangerously Low on ice cream. We are down to one box and it’s Vanilla. I’m not running out to the store just for ice cream, so we’ll just have to start baking cookies and brownies. Oh, our lives are so hard!

What studying looks like these days.

Social Distancing Diaries: Day 25

Dear Diary

Today can be categorized under “Days When Mom Lost It.” I’m an introvert. I recharge by being alone. Yes, I can go into my room and I might even get an hour to myself. But it’s not the same as Being Alone. Couple that with incessant demands and requests and responsibilities and well, it can get ugly. I apologized. The day ended well.

Do it.

I asked Eden what I should write about in my blog tonight. She said to mention that we finished the book we were reading together. Uh, can’t even remember the title but we finished it off tonight. She read aloud while I cut out more masks!

And she said to mention my button (pin). I had to put on my Button today. Ellen made it for me last year. It says, “Take a step back.” I say that a lot. People all up in my grill! Ellen and I were keeping a list of sayings that should be on buttons. “I know my Apple ID”  “Did you check the laundry?” What would you put on a button?

Update on the Fly Saga: Lily proudly killed her first fly Bare-Handed!  Am I a proud mama.? No, actually I’m grossed out. She wanted to show me the guts on her palm that proved her prowess but I refused to look as I ordered her to the bathroom to wash her hands. What else did people ask me to look at today: A dirty belly button and a zit. I refused vehemently. I pointed to my Button. They are persistent. Do you really begrudge me pining for that time alone??

Social Distancing Diaries: Day 24

Dear Diary

What a gloriously beautiful spring day in South Central, PA! Spring is by far my favorite season as I take delight in all the new growth and the delicious scents and colors. Unfortunately it’s also the beginning of Fly Season. As soon as the temperatures reach 50 degrees those little buggers make an appearance. But on warm days like this they really start to proliferate. Not sure how many we killed throughout the day, but you wouldn’t know it. Ellen found them to be “Early Season Flies”—not quite as fast and skillful at avoiding the swatter as the more worldly “Later Season Flies”. I hate that we can so easily identify changes in fly behavior but it goes with the territory. *News Flash* Just got a text that Cousin Farmer will be “hauling pig manure” tomorrow! I’ve heard that if your mask blocks smells, it’s working. Will be testing that theory tomorrow. And flyswatters will be poised and ready.

I caught up on Mask Production today! It feels good to have my head above water. But I’m still making them, so if you haven’t gotten yours yet, send me a message.

Pile O’ Masks

I also got to help some of the kids with school work. It took me a good part of the day, but I think I finally convinced Eden that I indeed know Nothing about Web Development. It’s useless to ask me questions about it. And I attempted to help Hayley study for her Family as a Social Institution Sociology test. That led to some enjoyable conversation.

Fun Fact: I can still do a handstand.

Happy Fact: My Aunt picked up some essentials for me on her run to the store today. I should be able to avoid the grocery store for another week! I now have flour!!!

Sad Fact: We finished off the Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream today. We are Dangerously Close to running out of ice cream. 

Strange Fact: In December we bought a New To Us car. Today we received a check in the mail from the dealer for $9.97 for “overpayment.” Weird.

Sadness. Imagine that drip on the rim is my tear.

Social Distancing Diaries: Day 23

Dear Diary

We were encouraged to supply our own elements for communion today.

Today can be categorized as a Lazy Sunday. After worship, a walk, and Zoom call with our Fellowship Group, I snuck in some more mask-making. I should finish up this batch tomorrow. We had our weekly Zoom call with my in-laws who have managed to stay home for 3 weeks now and are hoping to stay put for another week. Gold Star to them! They are running out of some essentials such as chocolate. They confessed to breaking into the stash of Easter candy but assured us that they would restock and have a grand celebration when this whole thing is over! There was grieving in our home when we realized we will miss Grandmas’s delicious Easter feast and special goodies that she normally makes for us. One of her specialties is little challa breads with an egg baked in the center like a nest (it’s like a hard boiled egg, but it’s not boiled, it’s baked). And we go over to their house on Good Friday and decorate Easter eggs. We’re sad to miss those traditions, but, this too shall pass.

Did I mention it was a Lazy Sunday? Also, bonus points for the creative use of the reclining loveseat.

We are looking forward to some Holy Week traditions. We’ll just be doing them at home instead of at our church. Our family enjoys the Maundy Thursday meal and foot washing. Last week at the store I picked up what I needed to recreate the simple meal of soup, bread, and cheese. And we’ll wash each other’s feet. Our church will livestream some kind of service on Thursday evening, so we’ll tune in to that. And I guess we can decorate Easter eggs too. On Easter Sunday, as part of our worship service, our congregation sings the Hallelujah Chorus. Eden is insisting we still do that. My goal when singing the H.C. is not to be singing on the rest at the end. If I’m successful, I consider that a win! I also hope that no one notices me turning the pages at the wrong time because I got lost.

As I was thinking about what we would be missing in our Easter celebrations this year I was reminded that the frills and the fluff and traditions are fine. And they can lend meaning and significance. But they are not necessary. I thought of Hayley who spent last Christmas in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains with no Christmas cookies, or movies, or presents, or twinkling lights. Yet it was still Christmas. So if this Easter has no new dresses, or Easter baskets, or egg hunts, or flower arrangements, or even the Hallelujah Chorus, it’s still Easter. It’s no less Easter. The fact of the resurrection does not depend on any of those things. And perhaps we’ll identify closer with our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world who already know this truth.

As my dad says, “Any day that ends with you smelling like a campfire is a good day.” So today was a good day. We cooked hot dogs and marshmallows over the campfire and enjoyed God’s glorious creation!

Social Distancing Diaries: Day 22

Dear Diary

Today’s theme was Mask Production. Thank you to everyone who has asked for masks. It means a lot to me to be able to make them for you. I’m trying to get them done as quickly as possible because I know you need them. As soon as they are done I will let you know.

I also ventured to Walmart today for an online pick up. Some items that I typically buy on Amazon just aren’t available. But Walmart had them. And, since the kids were starting to panic that we wouldn’t have Easter candy, I added that to my online order. It was strange to drive down the highway for the first time in over 3 weeks. There were very few cars out, particularly for a Saturday afternoon. I made a quick dash into the store to pick up my order which was waiting for me. I wore my mask and I’d estimate that about 50% of the other customers were wearing masks. On Wednesday when I went to Weis, I was the only customer I saw who was wearing a mask.

Today was a day of blessing too. If you need a break from cooking, order some meal packs from Acorn Farms Catering. We got one today and it was great to just reheat the food and not have to cook it. And I had my first Chicken Bowl!

We capped off the night with a family viewing of the new Little Women movie (well, 2 of us bailed early on and 1 took a phonecall). Hayley and I had seen this in the theater and loved it. It was great the second time too. It doesn’t matter which version of this story I watch, it brings me to tears. I guess it just hits too close to home for me!

I guess the Post-Cap to the night was a viewing of American Experience’s documentary about Polio and the race to develop a vaccine. It’s a favorite of mine. I have a fascination with the 1950s. I look forward to the day when I sit down in the evening to watch a documentary about the race to find a vaccine against COVID-19. 

This is only half the food—there is enough for at least 4 meals for our family. What a relief to not have to cook for a few days!

Social Distancing Diaries: Day 21

Dear Diary

Today’s Blog Theme is The ABCs of Social Distancing:

A is for Apart, as in stay.

B is for Banana—the factor determining when it’s time to grocery shop again.

C is for Cute Outfits. What are those??

D is for Dry Shampoo. Some of you are familiar with the term.

E is for Eggs. Bet you’re all wishing you had chickens like I do ;) 

F is for Face. Don’t touch it!

G is for Gobsmacked, as in we are all.

H is for Heightened Sensitivity. It’s hard to live with each other 24/7.

I is for Ice Cream. Forget TP. If the grocery stores run out of ice cream it’s gonna get ugly.

J is for 

K is for

L is for Livestream

M is for Masks. Guess we gotta wear them now. But they’re keeping me in business!

N is for Netflix. #blessed

O is for the Office. I’m binging.

P is for Puzzles. Low tech entertainment. Well, low tech anyway.

Q is for Quarantine

R is for

S is for Snacks.

T is for Teachers. The real rock stars.

U is for Underwear. Don’t forget to change it.

V is for Vacuum. Mom’s not the only one who can do this!

W is for Working from home. If you can, thank the Lord.

X is for…yeah, I got nothing.

Y is for Yard Work. They’re all going to look great this summer!

Z is for…Zoom! Of course.

Ok, it’s late and brain fog has taken over. Help me out with J, K and R. Thanks!

Also, I don’t have a picture. Quality control is really lacking today. My apologies.